In situ real time infrared spectroscopy of sorption of (poly)molybdate ions into layered double hydroxides

Mixed-Valence NpV/AnVI Molybdate Complexes with Single-Charge Outer-Sphere Cations

Five new mixed-valence NpV/AnVI molybdates of the composition [C(NH2)3]3[(NpVO2)(NpVIO2)(MoO4)3(H2O)]·H2O (1), [C(NH2)3]3[(NpVO2)(NpVIO2)(MoO4)3(H2O)]·3H2O (2), Na3[(NpVO2)(PuVIO2)(MoO4)3(H2O)]·nH2O (3), Na6[(NpVO2)2(UVIO2)(MoO4)5]·13H2O (4), and LiNa2[(NpVO2)(NpVIO2)2(MoO4)4(H2O)]·4H2O (5) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The coordination polyhedra of the NpV and AnVI atoms in compounds 1-5 are pentagonal bipyramids. The basis of structures 1-3 is anionic layers of the composition [(NpVO2)(AnVIO2)(MoO4)3(H2O)]n3n-. Three crystallographically independent molybdate ions are tridentate-bridging ligands. The water molecule, which is a part of the anion layer, is coordinated to the NpV atom. The anionic layers in complexes 2 and 3 have the same structure, different from 1. The basis of structure 4 is anionic layers of the composition [(NpVO2)2(UVIO2)(MoO4)5]n6n-, the structure of which differs from the structure of anionic layers in 1-3. Complex 5 has a three-dimensional (3D) structure. The spectra of all compounds in the UV-visible and IR ranges were measured and analyzed.

Mo-LDH-GO Hybrid Catalysts for Indigo Carmine Advanced Oxidation

This paper is focused on the utilization of hybrid catalysts obtained from layered double hydroxides containing molybdate as the compensation anion (Mo-LDH) and graphene oxide (GO) in advanced oxidation using environmentally friendly H₂O₂ as the oxidation agent for the removal of indigo carmine dye (IC) from wastewaters at 25 °C using 1 wt.% catalyst in the reaction mixture. Five samples of Mo-LDH-GO composites containing 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt% GO labeled as HTMo-xGO (where HT is the abbreviation used for Mg/Al in the brucite type layer of the LDH and x stands for the concentration of GO) have been synthesized by coprecipitation at pH 10 and characterized by XRD, SEM, Raman, and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, determination of the acid and base sites, and textural analysis by nitrogen adsorption/desorption. The XRD analysis confirmed the layered structure of the HTMo-xGO composites and GO incorporation in all samples has been proved by Raman spectroscopy. The most efficient catalyst was found to be the catalyst that contained 20%wt. GO, which allowed the removal of IC to reach 96.6%. The results of the catalytic tests indicated a strong correlation between catalytic activity and textural properties as well as the basicity of the catalysts.

Self-Activation of Inorganic-Organic Hybrids Derived through Continuous Synthesis of Polyoxomolybdate and para-Phenylenediamine Enables Very High Lithium-Ion Storage Capacity

Inorganic-organic hybrid materials with redox-active components were prepared by an aqueous precipitation reaction of ammonium heptamolybdate (AHM) with para-phenylenediamine (PPD). A scalable and low-energy continuous wet chemical synthesis process, known as the microjet process, was used to prepare particles with large surface area in the submicrometer range with high purity and reproducibility on a large scale. Two different crystalline hybrid products were formed depending on the ratio of molybdate to organic ligand and pH. A ratio of para-phenylenediamine to ammonium heptamolybdate from 1 : 1 to 5 : 1 resulted in the compound [C₆ H₁₀ N₂ ]₂ [Mo₈ O₂₆ ] ⋅ 6 H₂ O, while higher PPD ratios from 9 : 1 to 30 : 1 yielded a composition of [C₆ H₉ N₂ ]₄ [NH₄ ]₂ [Mo₇ O₂₄ ] ⋅ 3 H₂ O. The electrochemical behavior of the two products was tested in a battery cell environment. Only the second of the two hybrid materials showed an exceptionally high capacity of 1084 mAh g^-1 at 100 mA g^-1 after 150 cycles. The maximum capacity was reached after an induction phase, which can be explained by a combination of a conversion reaction with lithium to Li₂ MoO₄ and an additional in situ polymerization of PPD. The final hybrid material is a promising material for lithium-ion battery (LIB) applications.

Esterification of biomass-derived levulinic acid using molybdate-intercalated hydrotalcite materials

The molybdate-stabilized MgFe-HT is demonstrated as a potential catalyst for levulinic acid esterification with 93% conversion and 95% butyl-levulinate selectivity.

Layered Double Hydroxides as Slow-Release Fertilizer Compounds for the Micronutrient Molybdenum

Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential plant micronutrient. Despite low plant Mo requirements, deficiencies are not uncommon and soluble Mo fertilizers are often applied. However, soluble Mo may result in poor Mo use efficiency due to strong sorption (acid weathered soils) or leaching (lighter-textured soils). Here, ZnAl layered double hydroxides (LDHs), loaded with molybdate (MoO₄), were examined for their potential as slow-release Mo compounds. Chloride-exchanged LDHs with varying Zn/Al ratios (2, 3, and 4) were exchanged with MoO₄. Zn₂Al LDH indicated MoO₄ intercalation, whereas Zn₃Al and Zn₄Al LDHs bound MoO₄ merely on edge sites. Short-term Mo-LDH incubation identified sulfate, carbonate, and phosphate as the most competitive anions for MoO₄ exchange. Long-term Mo-LDH incubation in simulated pH-neutral soil solutions demonstrated slow Mo release from Zn₂Al LDH (half-life of 35 h), with a total Mo desorption of up to 85%. For Zn₃Al and Zn₄Al LDHs, Mo desorption was limited to <20%. Finally, several macronutrient fertilizers were tested as possible carriers for Mo-LDH fertilizer compounds.

Extraction of polyoxotantalate by Mg-Fe layered double hydroxides: elucidation of sorption mechanisms

The extraction of Ta(v) as polyoxometallate species (H x Ta6O19 (8-x)-) using Mg-Fe based Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) was evaluated using pristine material or after different pre-treatments. Thus, the uptake increased from 100 ± 5 mg g-1 to 604 ± 30 mg g-1, for respectively the carbonated LDH and after calcination at 400 °C. The uptake with calcined solid after its reconstruction with Cl- or NO3 - anions has also been studied. However, the expected exchange mechanism was not found by X-ray Diffraction analysis. On the contrary, an adsorption mechanism of Ta(v) on LDH was consistent with measurements of zeta potential, characterized by very negative values for a wide pH range. Moreover, another mechanism was identified as the main contributor to the uptake by calcinated LDH, even after its reconstruction with Cl- or NO3 -: the precipitation of Ta(v) with magnesium cations released from MgO formed by calcination of the LDH. This latter reaction has been confirmed by the comparison of the uptake of Ta(v) in dedicated experiments with solids characterized by a higher magnesium solubility (MgO and MgCl2). The obtained precipitate has been analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and would correspond to a magnesium (polyoxo)tantalate phase not yet referenced in the powder diffraction databases.

From NiMoO4 to γ-NiOOH: Detecting the Active Catalyst Phase by Time Resolved in Situ and Operando Raman Spectroscopy

Water electrolysis powered by renewable energies is a promising technology to produce sustainable fossil free fuels. The development and evaluation of effective catalysts are here imperative; however, due to the inclusion of elements with different redox properties and reactivity, these materials undergo dynamical changes and phase transformations during the reaction conditions. NiMoO4 is currently investigated among other metal oxides as a promising noble metal free catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction. Here we show that at applied bias, NiMoO4·H2O transforms into γ-NiOOH. Time resolved operando Raman spectroscopy is utilized to follow the potential dependent phase transformation and is collaborated with elemental analysis of the electrolyte, confirming that molybdenum leaches out from the as-synthesized NiMoO4·H2O. Molybdenum leaching increases the surface coverage of exposed nickel sites, and this in combination with the formation of γ-NiOOH enlarges the amount of active sites of the catalyst, leading to high current densities. Additionally, we discovered different NiMoO4 nanostructures, nanoflowers, and nanorods, for which the relative ratio can be influenced by the heating ramp during the synthesis. With selective molybdenum etching we were able to assign the varying X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern as well as Raman vibrations unambiguously to the two nanostructures, which were revealed to exhibit different stabilities in alkaline media by time-resolved in situ and operando Raman spectroscopy. We advocate that a similar approach can beneficially be applied to many other catalysts, unveiling their structural integrity, characterize the dynamic surface reformulation, and resolve any ambiguities in interpretations of the active catalyst phase.

Nucleation mechanisms and speciation of metal oxide clusters

The self-assembly mechanisms of polyoxometalates (POMs) are still a matter of discussion owing to the difficult task of identifying all the chemical species and reactions involved. We present a new computational methodology that identifies the reaction mechanism for the formation of metal-oxide clusters and provides a speciation model from first-principles and in an automated manner. As a first example, we apply our method to the formation of octamolybdate. In our model, we include variables such as pH, temperature and ionic force because they have a determining effect on driving the reaction to a specific product. Making use of graphs, we set up and solved 2.8 × 105 multi-species chemical equilibrium (MSCE) non-linear equations and found which set of reactions fitted best with the experimental data available. The agreement between computed and experimental speciation diagrams is excellent. Furthermore, we discovered a strong linear dependence between DFT and empirical formation constants, which opens the door for a systematic rescaling.

Polyoxometalates in solution: speciation under spotlight

The review covers stability and transformations of classical polyoxometalates in aqueous solutions and provides their ion-distribution diagrams over a wide pH range.

Highlights on the Catalytic Properties of Polyoxometalate-Intercalated Layered Double Hydroxides: A Review

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) are an extended class of two-dimensional anionic materials that are known for their unique lamellar structure, versatile composition, and tunable properties. The layered architecture allows the intercalation between the positively charged sheets of a vast variety of anionic species, including oxometalates and polyoxometalates (POM). The hybrid composites that were developed using POM and LDH show great advantages when compared to both parent materials causing the appearance of new functionalities, which may lead to remarkable contributions in many areas of application, especially in catalysis. The current review paper emphases all of the crucial works already existing in literature that are related to the large group of POM-LDH solids and their use as catalysts for fine organic synthesis. The new trends in the development of the POM-LDH catalysts are highlighted based on the overview of 121 scientific articles that were published between 1984 and 2019. The main topics are focused primarily on the synthesis, characterization, and the catalytic applications of different LDH systems hosting polyoxometalates with low, medium, and high nuclearity. The intense exploration of the POM-LDH field has led to the obtaining of countless effective catalysts used in various types of reactions, from condensation, esterification, halodecarboxylation, to oxidation and epoxidation.

Hydrogen Bond between Molybdate and Glucose for the Formation of Carbon-Loaded MoS2 Nanocomposites with High Electrochemical Performance

The effects of glucose on the growth and surface properties of MoS₂ with a nanosheet structure were investigated in detail. In the presence of glucose, the hydrothermal reaction of sodium molybdate and thiourea yields carbon-loaded MoS₂ nanocomposites (C/MoS₂). Compared with bare MoS₂ nanosheets with more than six layers obtained in the absence of glucose and carbon spheres with a diameter of 500 nm prepared from the carbonization of glucose, C/MoS₂ consists of one- or three-layered MoS₂ and carbon spheres with a diameter less than 1 nm to give a large Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area (3-20 times larger than the individual materials). The surface characterizations reveal that both MoS₂ and carbon spheres of C/MoS₂ have a negative charge on the surface, suggesting that the previously reported explanation, in which the adsorption of MoS₂ and/or molybdate ions on carbon spheres inhibits the growth and aggregation of MoS₂, is not correct. Based on Fourier transform infrared and ¹H NMR spectra, it is demonstrated that glucose acts as the hydrogen bond donor toward polyoxomolybdate species such as Mo₈O₂₆^4-, Mo₇O₂₄^6-, and MoO₄^2- in the range of pH = 2-12. The intermolecular hydrogen bond not only inhibits the growth of both the (002) plane of MoS₂ and carbon spheres, but also enables the formation of C-O-Mo bonds in the in situ generated C/MoS₂. Compared with bare MoS₂, C/MoS₂ not only show a lower over-potential by 60 mV for the electrocatalytic evolution of hydrogen, but also has a larger mass specific capacitance by three times, due to the larger surface area and the interfacial interaction through the C-O-Mo bonds.

Factors Affecting MoO4(2-) Inhibitor Release from Zn2Al Based Layered Double Hydroxide and Their Implication in Protecting Hot Dip Galvanized Steel by Means of Organic Coatings

Zn2Al/-layered double hydroxide (LDH) with intercalated MoO4(2-) was investigated as a potential source of soluble molybdate inhibitor in anticorrosion coatings for hot dip galvanized steel (HDG). The effect of solution pH, soluble chlorides, and carbonates on the release kinetics of the interleaved MoO4(2-) ions from the LDH powder immersed in solutions containing different anions was studied by X-ray diffraction, in situ attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The effect of the solution composition on the total release and the release kinetics was demonstrated. Less than 30% of the total amount of the intercalated MoO4(2-) was released after 24 h of the immersion in neutral 0.005-0.5 M NaCl and 0.1 M NaNO3 solutions whereas the complete release of MoO4(2-) was observed after 1 h in 0.1 M NaHCO3 or Na2SO4 and in alkaline solutions. The in situ ATR-IR experiments and quantification of the released soluble species by ICP-AES demonstrated the release by an anion exchange in neutral solutions and by the dissolution of Zn2Al/-LDH in alkaline solutions. The anion exchange kinetics with monovalent anions was described by the reaction order n = 0.35 ± 0.05 suggesting the diffusion control; for divalent anions, n = 0.70 ± 0.06 suggested the control by a surface reaction. Dissolution of Zn from coated HDG with and without Zn2Al/-MoO4(2-) fillers, leaching of MoO4(2-) from the coating, and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy response of the coated systems were measured during the immersion in 0.5 M NaCl solutions with and without 0.1 M NaHCO3. Without carbonates, the release of soluble MoO4(2-) was delayed for 24 h with no inhibiting effect whereas with 0.1 M NaHCO3 the immediate release was accompanied by the immediate and strong inhibiting effect on Zn dissolution. The concept of controlling the inhibition performance of LDH hybrid coatings by means of the environment composition is discussed.